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OLD KENTUCKY 
RHYMES 



A COLLECTION OF 

EARLY POEMS AND SKETCHES 



M. BETTIE BELL 



:3C 



J. E. FELLERS AND COMPANY 
CHICAGO 

1906 



Two Copies ReceJvwJ 

NOV 14 1906 

CLASS A XXCm NO. 






COPYRIGHT 1906 

BT 

M. BETTIE BELL 



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PAGE 

A Bride 39 

A Gift 24 

A Prayer 37 

At Last 22 

Christmas 5 

Home 26 

Life 45 

Light 49 

Love 43 

My Father 19 

One Rose 47 

Peace 34 

Queen of May 14 

Spring 10 

To A Friend 29 

To My Mother 17 

To Nelly 12 

Youth and Age 30 



Before my mother paHsed away she 
often requested me to pu})lish the poems 
I wrote when a girl. Other relatives and 
friends in more recent years have urged 
me to publish them. With some reluc- 
tance I am yielding to their wishes but 
with confidence that those who know 
what my daily life and work mean at 
this time, will readily see that my 
thoughts have risen to a higher hope 
and a clearer understanding than my 
earlier lispings indicated. I shall feel 
amply repaid for the risk in setting this 
little volume adrift, if but one person 
finds something in the poems that re- 
news a hope or makes an otherwise long 
day seem short. 



A few of the poems contained in 
this book were written in recent years. 
For the most part, however, they ex- 
press my earlier thoughts. If, there- 
fore, some careful reader should feel 
inclined to criticise them, I am sure he 
will first consider the time in life when 
they were written. 

M. Bettie Bell. 

4037 Drexel Boulevard 

Chicago, 111. 

November, 1906 



QIIfriBttnas, 13115 

njHE merry bells do chime with joy 

This Christmas time, 
Their notes of peace without alloy 

In jolly rhyme. 

They sound like music in the ear, 

So soft and clear, 
And chase away full many a fear, 

From faces dear. 

Now welcome they! These bonny bells, 

Of yearly chime, 
A great and glorious story tells. 

In every clime. 

Of one who came from Heaven to earth 

To give a gem 
To nations, kindreds, and all tongues — 

The real Realm. 



The real Christmas is not told 

In fiction's way; 
But love and joy it does unfold 

In bright array. 

His gifts are not in mortal things; 

These things of air, 
They fade and die; but what He brings 

Are treasures rare. 

He was God's ^ ^Christmas Giff to man, 

His own dear Son, 
He bids us see him everywhere; 

You are that one. 

When this we do, we are free-born; 

In God's own way 
We enter bUss; no more forlorn 

We never stray 



Then let us grasp this gift of Life, 

Make it our own; 
And turn forever from the strife 

Where woe is known. 

The real gem that Love has given 

Will ever shine, 
And show us what and where is Heaven; 

All there, is thine. 

Do not reject this holy gift; 

It is too rare. 
It turns the heavy heart of stone 

To Him so fair. 

He says in pleading tones so sweet, 

^^ComeuntoMe^' 
And I will give you wine and wheat. 
And make you free. 



^'Come unto Me'' and you will find 

The light of day; 
And in this light you'll see to walk 

In Wisdom's way. 

Not cold the Way, nor hard, nor bleak, 

But always love ; 
It is the Way by which all reach 

Our house above. 

O! take the lamp by Wisdom given 

With eager hand ; 
For b}^ its shining we find Heaven; 

We seek this land. 

Let us so watch and work and pray, 

That next year's end 
Shall find us knowing Christ's Christmas 

Where pride and folly bend. 



These jeweled thoughts I give to you 

This Christmas eve, 
May on your heart the living Truth 

Its impress leave. 



WRITTEN AT THE AGE OP ELEVEN 

ajLEAK winter is fading fast, 
The cold winds have almost passed, 
And gentle Spring with form so fair, 
Is coming with her beauties rare. 

Sweet Spring! We shall ever hail 

Thy presence with delight; 
For thy coming doth impart 

A vision green and bright. 

Thou comest with thy radiant smile, 
Bringing gladness to our heart; 

How sweetly we the hours beguile, 
Oh, beauties, ne'er depart. 

Thou bringest with thee little birds, 
That chant their sweetest song. 

In low and plaintive requiem 
Their tuneful notes prolong. 



10 



The flowers too, with fragrance sweet, 

Is wafted through the air, 
And all around is pure and bright, 

Decked in its Spring attire. 

The gUstening of the dew-drop 

At the early dawn of day, 
Seems to inspire with holy thought 

While in mystery they lay. 

It casts a shadow from our heart, 
As we think with great delight 

Of this unfathomed mystery 
That comes with form so bright. 

Oh, Spring, Thou art so pure and true 

Thy clothing is sublime, 
Thou tellest of our great Creator 

Of Him who is Divine. 



®0 ■NpUq 

WRITTEN AT THE AGE OF TWELVE 

^HEN they told me thou wast dead, 

The winds went howhng by, [Nelly, 

Oh, how my poor heart throbbed, Nelly, 

To think you had to die. 
But I know you are happy now, Nelly, 

With angels by your side. 
And your death 1 41 try to forget, Nelly, 

And dry the flowing tide. 

Oh, the happy hours we We spent, Nelly, 

Dwell in my memory yet ; 
But I^m forced to be content, Nelly, 

And repress my fond regret ; 
Oh, not for all the world, Nelly, 

Would I call you back again, 
Though it is a bitter struggle, Nelly, 

So lonely to remain. 



12 



I never knew how dear thou wast, Nelly, 

Till I was left alone, 
Then I thought my heart would break, 

[Nelly, 

To think that thou hads^t flown; 
Oh, we never more shall meet, Nelly, 

In this sad world of pain, 
But there with happy angels, Nelly, 

I trust we'll meet again. 



(^mm of iiag 

May 1864 

^H, glad May Day 
With sunshine bright, 
With flowers fair 
And hearts so Ught; 
Oh froUcksome girls, 
Why choose ye me 
To serve this day 
For Queen of May? 

You gave six maids 
Of beauty rare. 
You chose each one 
With tender care ; 
With loyal hearts 
They serve each day. 
With loving wish 
Your Queen of May. 



I love these maids 
You give me here, 
They join with me 
In this great cheer; 
They will with me 
In humble way, 
Thank you in name 
Of Queen of May. 

You wreathe us all 
With clover white. 
And dress us in 

Sweet robes so light; 
You sing us songs 
With poets lay, 
In which you claim 
Your Queen of May. 



15 



This honor great 
Has come from you, 
In choosing us 
You were so true; 
May blessings rare 
Be yours this day, 
This Prayer is from 
Your Queen of May. 



15 



So Mu Matl}tt 

WRITTEN AT THE AGE OF THIRTEEN 

2( AM thinking of thee, Mother, 
Now whilst I am all alone, 

Thinking of the happy smile 

That ^11 greet me when I come home. 

Yes, dear Mother, thoughts of thee, 
Pleasantly flit across my brain. 

Thoughts more sweet than I can tell, 
Yet, I would not them refrain. 

I knew not how I loved thee. Mother, 
Till absence my love did test, , 

Nor did I know how I would miss 
Thy loving fond caress. 

'Tis said that absence conquers love 
Though I Ve not found it so, 

For every hour that passeth by 
The tie doth stronger grow. 



17 



This world would be a blank, Mother, 
If 'twere not for thy sweet face, 

To cheer us on through weal and woe. 
Our trials to erase. 

Ever ready thou art, Mother, 
To give some kindly word, 

To those in gladness or distress 
And lead their thoughts to God. 



18 



June 1865 

LOVED him so 
I never knew how much, 
Till at school one day 
A letter came 
With his dear name, 
Filled with tender touch. 

The tears fell fast, 

Such grateful tears, 
His lovely words 

Still all the fears. 
Such good advice, 

Will ever last 

For all the years 



He's a manly man, 
With heart so true, 

And nobly grand, 
A Christian too; 

So firm and strong 
With righteous view. 

I took a look, 

His restful thoughts 
Lay on my book. 

In folded letter. 
It spurred me on 

To study better. 

Who would not please 

A Father dear. 
Love hke his inspires — 

Is ever near, 
Hope like his requires 

A ready ear. 



20 



He came at last, 
Twas closing day, 

His face was light 
With loving ray; 

I won the Prize 
His arms I lay. 

Approvals sweet 
From parent pride. 

Who would dare tax 
A flowing tide 

Of hope Uke his — 
Or love so wide? 



21 



At Saat 

JV T last, I saw the light. 

It came from one who knew the way; 

Who said that darkness could not stay, 
And taught me what she knew was right. 

At last, my hope grew strong, 
I strove to lay my burden down 
And seek in Truth to find the crown; 

I'd waited on the Lord so long. 

At last, my trust rose high, 
The Word of Life came clear to me, 
It said, You must and shall be free. 

And God shall be forever nigh. 

At last, the rod was given. 

To lay the error in the dust. 

Obey and pray; she said we must 
From all the past of sin be riven. 



32 



At last, the light did shine, 

Truth healed me of a broken heart. 

It said, From grief you now must part, 
The saving love of Truth is thine. 

At last, the love is great, 

I know that my Redeemer Uves, 
And with His loving kindness gives 

A message which is not too late. 

At last, the Christ so sweet ! 

To her who taught me how to pray, 

In humble gratitude I lay 
The healing laurels at her feet. 



A mn 

1891 

ILVER and gold send I to you, 
A piece of pure white linen too; 
Dross consumed by the gold of love, 
Silver purifies, Ufts us above 
This mortal life. 

Out of darkness into light, 

Linen of righteousness all so white, 
With daisies wrought in silken thread. 

Emblem of that which lives, not dead, 
To Truth and right. 

Accept from me this Christmas tide, 
The gold, silver, the linen wide; 

And use them each and every day. 
They are true emblems that point the 
To Life and Love. [way 



24 



We lay these tokens at your feet, 
They bear to you a message sweet, 

Of one who loves the words you speak, 
And means to live them week by week 
Till the Crown is won. 



25 



^njIB true we find our joys at home, 
Though over land and sea we roam; 
The sweetest place on earth to be 
Under the home-roof -dear to me. 

**Home, Sweet Home/' the Poet sings, 
The rippling notes an echo rings, 
^^Home again'' — with hopes so 

bright, 
And ''Old Kentucky Home, good 
night." 

No Poet has ever yet revealed 
The depth of love that is concealed. 
Each pulse of heart he does require* 
Home's the Eden of man's desire. 



26 



But how could language e'er relate, 
Or put in words that happy state, 
The blessedness of our own hearth. 
The dearest, sweetest place on earth. 

When tired of travel we go home. 
Or when our College days are done. 
The same free feeling from all care — 
We find a welcome ever there. 

No fairer home — where was no dirth, 
Than ' 'Cedar Grove,'' place of my birth, 
On rolling blue grass knoll it stood 
Surrounded by rich fields of wood. 

It was a charm of old Kentucky 
And we were called the children lucky; 
The flowers and birds were all around 
And fruits in plenty did abound. 



27 



Would such a home could last forever, 
With Father, Mother to leave it never; 
With Brothers, Sisters, always near, 
No separations e'er to fear. 

An ideal home, with latch-string out, 
To welcome all from every route, 
The home of joy, health, and beauty, 
Forget thee ne'er will be our duty. 

The sweetest song t'was ever heard, 
In solemn chant-pathetic word, 
''My old Kentucky Home,Good night;'' 
To yearn for you will be our right. 



28 



®0 a 3Fmnii 



1865 



UJAY the soft and golden sunlight 

Glint thy pathway o^er, 
Till thy days are full of brightness — 

And chase all shadows from thy door. 
If the clouds do chance to fall 
Look to God, Let Him be ALL in ALL, 

Life is full of earnest meaning, 
Full of something good to do, 

Minds with earnest thoughts are teeming, 
Thoughts that should be great and true. 

Let good thinking keep you free, 

In time and in eternity. 



29 



njHE hopes of life stand out so bold on 
this fair day; 

Talent weaves strands of purest gold and 
spreads her flowers 

In bright array to light our way. 

It is the age that's fat and fair, with silver 
threads in softest hair — 

But not of age, 'tis youth's donation, and 
Love's salvation. 

With Life's pulsation and Hope's irradi- 
ation. 

Oh, blessed star, thou art not far at 

forty-five ; 
And if perchance prayer has given to 

quick advance on Heaven's stair, 
Where may hear strands of David's lyre : 



80 



Age in spirit is youth in truth — 
Innocent lamb that brings the bahn to 

heal our wounds, 
And put the music into rhyme that thrills 

with love, from notes above. 
To chase dark thoughts of mortal lore 
From Shiloh^s shore. 

'Tis youth's bright realm, this love of 

lore; 
The child of God will find this ore 
In Judah's Rock. It is his peace that 

gives him lease 
On life's great shore, where dream of age 

is never more. 
Eternity's law is never bound by age or 

time 



31 



No silver thread nor wrinkled brow, 
For Heaven is now. 

'Tis first the blade and then the ear, ^tis 

well to hear nor be afraid, 
For the full corn comes with full ear, 
To chase away the print of age and show 

to man, 
A brighter page to youth^s eternal age. 
'Tis look within and not without, the 

inner man knows his whereabout — 
The outer man will bend not bow to age 

and woe. 
Growth of Truth will rob old Time of 

shadow's claim; in place of shade 
Shine the beauteous shrine that love has 

made. 



32 



Love on, Love on, the voice of youth 
Will fill thy soul with love and truth — 

Heed the stranger within thy gate; 

Invite him in, ere it be too late; 
His touch alone will still the pride; 
And solace the fear, and open wide 
The door so dear that leadeth to love, 
Which gives the vim of Youth in Truth 
and Truth in Youth. 



0JOME unto me, 
All ye that weary be, 
And I will give you rest, 
To be forever free, 

And ever blessed. 

Let light be yours, 

And no more darkness see, 
Nor count the time or tide, 
My peace will come to thee. 
And love beside. 

Let joy be yours. 

And sadness never dim 
Your real sight so clear, 
Peace is found in prayer. 

And rest so dear. 



S4 



No sickness there, 

Nor sin be ever known, 
No death to make or mar 
That true light that^s never shorn 
Of its bright star. 

My peace I give to thee, 

So full of love and Ught; 
A gift so pure and free 
From that dear land so bright, 
For you and me. 

My peace I leave with thee, 
And leaving, it is here 
Ne^er to be torn away; 
It is forever near. 

And come to stay. 



Make it your own, 

And down the warfare lay; 
In Love is your release 
You have the brilliant ray, 

It is your peace. 

So peace be still. 

It calms the troubled wave, 
'^Acquaint thyself with God'' 
And know that it will save 
If you will wield the rod. 

Your peace He gave. 



aTET me be as Thou hast made me, 
Oh, my Father, Mother, God; 

Let me know Thy sweetness, meekness. 
Even though Thou use the rod. 

Rest me, Shepherd, with Thy bounty. 
Cleanse me from all subtle sin; 

Let the burdens all be nothing, 
Make me strong and pure within. 

Let me lean upon Thee fully, 
Knowing naught but Love divine; 

Let me be Thy child who dwelleth 
In Thy presence so subUme. 

Hear my prayer, Oh, Mother Love, 
That watcheth o'er me ever. 

And evil may I never see, 
But be with Thee forever. 



87 



Come I to Thee, to holy be, 

In pastures green to rest ; 
May I be meek and lowly too, 

For this is my bequest. 

Let me know Thee, whom to know 

Is everlasting, joyous life ; 
Let my patience ever grow 

To put away earth's endless strife. 

Let Thy grace sufficient be 

To bear the cross and win the crown; 
Let Thy faith be mine to free 

And help me lay all burdens down. 

Light from Thee is ever near. 

Whose rays illume the way; 
That light which makes all things clear 

And leads us to Eternal day. 



A 9r\ht 

Jl LL in white she stood, 

A bride so neat, 
And took the solemn vow 

Upon her lips so sweet. 

That made her one with him 

Her heart did love, 
A sacred vow was given 

Heard by One above. 

It was a Christian vow 

An hour of light. 
A Godly thought did bind 

The knot so tight. 

These lovers joined 

In Christian peace will walk, 
And in sweet unity 

With God forever talk. 



39 



The rare white, fleecy dress, 

So pure and fine, 
Told a deep tale, 

Of Love's exhaustless mine. 

A righteous thought 

Of grace and power, and peace. 
Kept stealing in, and hope 

Rose high of sweet release. 

In this dear bridal hour, 

A tale is told — 
Of how and why and what, 

A Christian may unfold. 

A little child 

A golden ring did bear; 
An emblem sweet. 

That Love is everywhere. 



40 



Six maids, clothed in pink, 

Typed Love's affection; 
As many groomsmen stood, 

To guard and give protection. 

A sister clothed in white 

A maid of honor fair. 
To give the bride her blessing 

This child of golden hair. 

The parents not far away 

With patient trust. 
Gave their joy to other hands 

Because they knew they must. 

This bridal is of God 

None need have fear; 
But wait for Him who knoweth best 

He will soon appear. 



41 



This union is a Christian work, 
Death nor time can sever; 

In God they^ll learn to think 
And Uve in Him forever. 



42 



2i0w 

!gTET us learn to seek and ask of Love 

To give us her revealings, 
Let us strive to learn to look above 

Where there are no concealings ; 
Let us gently, humbly, seek and find 

The Love that is our Mother, 
And with affection pure enshrined 

Give worship to no other. 

Let us perceive that Love and Wisdom 

Is our Father, Mother, God, 
Then we shall know that we are children 

Of a Christly human-hood. 
Then in Elchim, our only God, 

We shall find immortal peace. 
When we take in hand the mighty rod 

And pray daily for release. 



48 



Oh, thou eternal Love, 

To thee we owe our being, 
And our Hght, and endless gratitude, 

We fail no more in seeing 
That thy Ufe^s plenitude 

Gives us joy increasing 

From all sin releasing. 

LOFC, 



44 



^PEN the Sepulchre! 

Christ is waiting 
To lead you on; 

Arise in newness ! 
Harpstrings singing — 

Death is gone. 

Out from Sepulchre 
Christ has come 

With loving touch, 
To heal and save 

From lawless law 
That claims so much. 

No death, no, never! 

You cannot claim 
One child of light. 

Nor can you sever 
With dart or aim, 

For God is might. 



45 



With rod in hand 
One loving band, 

We're joined together; 
For out of night 

WeVe found the hght 
And LIFE forever. 



46 



Qpa^ERE is one White Rose 
Which speaks of purity, 

Its leaves in sweet repose 
Talk peace and unity. 

Its fragrance so sweet, 
A dainty perfume has shed; 

Angel thoughts will meet, 
To resurrect the dead. 

Heaven's where it bloomed, 
A rare and costly thing, 

Like a dove it loomed 
And spread its fairy wing. 

Only one sweet Rose, 
A gift from tender hand. 

That raised its strength 

To guard God's precious lamb. 



Let it be done ! So wills 
The law that made it pure, 

Affection rare Instills 
Which ever will endure. 

What is this Rose so white? 

The gratitude of Love. 
It bloomed in Edons Ught 

And bids us look above. 

Let God direct the heart 
To pulse His affection, 

Which bids all else depart 
And lean on His protection. 

'Tis heaven's foretaste, 
Of riches rare and white; 

This Rose, a gift, elate 

And riches right with might. 



48 



HJET not your heart be troubled, 
Said the voice of Love divine; 
Let it never be dismayed, 

Said the Truth of joy subhme; 
Think no evil day by day. 
Let no shadow come thy way. 
Look for the Ught 
Of omnipresent might. 

Take no thought of body, means, 

Look up-not down-for heavenly things; 

Earth's sere, yellow leaf shall wane, 

If sin come not to thee again. 
Let no erring darts of pain. 
Ever prostrate you again; 
Demand the right 
Of omniscient might. 



49 



Let Love without dissimulation 

Be to you a guiding star, 
Let ^^Lo, I am with you alway/' 

Be the light that does not mar; 
Let the Love that never ends, 
Be to you the best of friends. 
Choose the right 
And love the light. 

*^Let Light be'' — said one who knows, 

So it came to pass that way, 
In that hght the darkness goes. 

All is Ught, all is day. 
Let no more sin cloud thy thought, 
Nor ever let thyself be caught 
By errors din. 
For light's within. 



50 



So heaven's NOW, it's ever near, 

Always ever-present, HERE; 
Let no more sleep dim thy sight, 

All is everlasting Light. 
Let not thy weakness ere betray 
Christ, who leads you all the way 
To God above 
Where all is Love. 



51 



NOV 14 im 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



016 211 568 6 



mm. 



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